Torque- Too Tight?
#1
10-08-14, 05:54 PM
Torque- Too Tight?
I was working in my panel and got to thinking afterwards "how tight is too tight?"... I gave the neutrals and the breakers screws pretty significant torque. (I don't have a torque screwdriver?)
So essentially what I am asking, what could go wrong when its too tight? How tight is enough in panels? What do you think?
So essentially what I am asking, what could go wrong when its too tight? How tight is enough in panels? What do you think?
#2
10-08-14, 06:05 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Too tight can create hot spots and also can cut through the conductor. If you checked the torque I would bet you are way too tight.
#3
10-09-14, 05:36 AM
Trying to make it too tight will strip the threads, particularly in breaker terminals and switch/receptacle terminals. After that the connection will be forever too loose and you must replace the component whose terminal got stripped.
It's hard to describe in words how tight to make it without a torque driver or wrench. I am guessing that tightening it snug so the wire cannot wiggle (or forcibly wiggling the wire doesn't loosen the screw) and then add a quarter turn should be adequate.
It's hard to describe in words how tight to make it without a torque driver or wrench. I am guessing that tightening it snug so the wire cannot wiggle (or forcibly wiggling the wire doesn't loosen the screw) and then add a quarter turn should be adequate.
#4
10-09-14, 06:18 AM
Member
Torque
Panel should have torqueing values listed for the various connections in the panel. You need to use a calibrated torque wrench or screw driver to insure proper torque.
#5
10-09-14, 07:17 AM
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 46
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Panel should have torqueing values listed for the various connections in the panel. You need to use a calibrated torque wrench or screw driver to insure proper torque.
#6
10-09-14, 07:37 AM
Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: U.S.
Posts: 4,807
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I vote no calibration. Snug it up and pull on wire a little to make sure it's secure.
It's not going anywhere.
Reminds me of plumbing connections. You don't need a torque wrench to connect a P-Trap. Snug/hand tighten and you're good.
It's not going anywhere.
Reminds me of plumbing connections. You don't need a torque wrench to connect a P-Trap. Snug/hand tighten and you're good.
#9
10-09-14, 04:50 PM
Group Moderator
Copper is pretty forgiving when it comes to tightening terminals.
Aluminum is the material that needs to be handled with care. Aluminum wiring is very easily flattened and damaged by over tightening.
Aluminum is the material that needs to be handled with care. Aluminum wiring is very easily flattened and damaged by over tightening.
#10
10-10-14, 04:55 AM
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 46
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Torque
I think this might be a jab at me. Well WIREPULLER, I have been reading and following the NEC for 42 years as a practicing electrician. I know full well about torque values and I don't appreciate you suggesting I am not compliant.
With that said, Wirepuller my question remains.... how many electricians or DIY'ers have a torque screwdriver? Do you own a properly calibrated torque screwdriver Wirepuller?
It might help to read the NEC.
I think this might be a jab at me. Well WIREPULLER, I have been reading and following the NEC for 42 years as a practicing electrician. I know full well about torque values and I don't appreciate you suggesting I am not compliant.
With that said, Wirepuller my question remains.... how many electricians or DIY'ers have a torque screwdriver? Do you own a properly calibrated torque screwdriver Wirepuller?
#11
10-10-14, 05:49 AM
Member
Torque
Do you own a properly calibrated torque screwdriver Wirepuller?
Thank you for acknowledging that you are familiar with the NEC concerning torquing requirements. Have a nice day.
